The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s7.t2.15

c4.s7.t2.15

*Tálakesari rasa.*³—Orpiment forms the active ingredient of several pills for skin diseases, of which this is an example. Take of orpiment, realgar, iron pyrites (*svarnamákshika*), mercury, borax, and rock salt, one part each, sulphur and burnt conch-shell two parts each, rub them together for a day with lemon juice, then add to the mass one-thirtieth part of its weight of aconite, and mix. Dose, five to ten grains with butter. After it, powdered seeds of *Vernonia anthelmintica* (*vákuchi*), two drachms should be taken with honey and ghee. This medicine is useful in all sorts of chronic skin diseases. The above formula is taken from the Bhávaprakása. Sárangadhara gives a similar prescription under the name of *Mahátálesvara*.